September 30 2019 - St. Jerome - Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ

It was only in 1298 that the Church began to declare certain saints as doctors of the Church. As of today there are 36 doctors. Well, St. Jerome is among the original four along with St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, and St. Gregory the Great. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin word “docere”, which means to teach or instruct. The Church sees these great doctors of the Church as the greatest teachers and instructors of the faith.

St. Augustine, in fact, spoke about St. Jerome, saying: What Jerome is ignorant of, no mortal has ever known.” Jerome’s knowledge and work with the Scriptures has left an indelible mark upon the Church. For he is the author of the Vulgate, the official Latin translation of the Scriptures which were utilized for liturgical use and church documents for nearly two millennia.

St. Jerome is quoted in the current Catechism of the Catholic Church which states “The Church…specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful. . . to learn the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”

There is often hesitation on the part of Catholics to be familiar with the Bible. For the Bible is not easy to understand. To understand the whole we must understand its parts, and to understand its parts we need to understand the whole. But for those who open its pages, the Scriptures are refreshing; they are consoling, instructive, and corrective, they are more valuable than gold.  We should read and meditate on Scripture every day.  Like Jerome, we should seek a “living and tender love for Scripture” that we ma have a living and tender loving care for God and the willingness to follow his Holy Will. 

On this memorial of St. Jerome, we hear of St. Paul’s injunction to Timothy to learn and believe what is in the scriptures for they are capable of giving “wisdom for salvation.” In a world full of so much chaos and error, we need the wisdom of the scriptures to help order or life. Biblical illiteracy serves no one.

When we study the scriptures and internalize them, we become like the wise head of the household extolled by the Lord in the Gospel, who “brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” “All Scripture is inspired by God” both the new and the old. So by them may the Lord continue to equip us for the work of the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all members of the Church will find constant nourishment and strength from the Holy Scriptures.

That we may always read and interpret the scriptures according to the “living Tradition of the whole Church” and not according to the errors of the world.

That the uninitiated who seek God may answer the call to Christian conversion and for the success of our parish RCIA programs.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.